The Joliet City Council has approved an ordinance amendment allowing free
street parking to improve accessibility and convenience for residents and visitors in the downtown area.
The proposed amendment unanimously approved by the city council Tuesday aims to establish two-hour free street parking in three zones between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. weekdays to enhance economic vitality and support local businesses in the heart of the city where construction is under way for a new city square and redesigned Chicago Street. Free street parking goes into effect on Sept. 1.
The key provisions of the amendment include the two-hour parking limit from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays in Zones A, B and C. Signage will be installed identifying the parking restrictions in the downtown area.
Those who try to re-park in the area after their two-hour limit expires will be ticketed $30.
Parking restrictions will also apply to specific streets between 3 and 5 a.m. for street cleaning, including on Jefferson Street between Joliet Street and Mayor Art Schultz Drive, Cass Street between Joliet Street and Eastern Avenue, and Chicago Street between Washington Street and Jackson Street. The parking restrictions will not apply on holidays.
Mayor Terry D’Arcy said the free parking is warranted, particularly as renovations are continuing in the downtown corridor.
“Free street parking has been discussed in the past by both the council and downtown business owners,” noted D’Arcy. “This will be permanent and
another step toward supporting our downtown businesses during the ongoing construction and transformation.”
Prior to the board vote a letter from the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry was read in support of the new parking initiative.
“Free parking creates economic benefits and increases foot traffic,” according to the letter read at the meeting.
Resident Cesar Romero said parking is at a premium in downtown, especially during construction.
“I wonder how many people don’t even visit downtown because they are tired of the construction,” he said. “At least now, they know they can park for free and hope that makes a difference.”
In other city news, the council approved hiring a director of cultural affairs and special events at a salary more than $100,000.
Councilman Larry Hug, District 1, said he is against the new position, siting concerns that the city will never get anything in return for the high salary. He said the city budget already is “bloated” with too many new positions, like expanding the economic development department.
But councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra, District 5, said a special events coordinator would plan events that are currently not hosted in Joliet. She said her constituents have asked for special events in her district.
“We are 20 to 30 years behind other communities who have these types of positions, like Naperville, Evanston, Chicago and Aurora,” said Ibarra. “This is where Joliet needs to catch up.”
Joining Hug in voting against the creation of the new position was councilwoman-at-large Jan Quillman. She said numerous constituents contacted her and urged her to vote against the high-paying position.
“I wish we could have waited until the fall budget,” said Quillman. “We need other positions filled.”
City Manager Beth Beatty said the new position will report to her office and manage Joliet Bicentennial Park and city square development. She told the council the person hired for this job will be soliciting grants, donations and sponsorships to offset operating costs.
Mayor D’Arcy said the new position is about embracing the diverse culture of the community.
“When I ran for mayor, I did it with commitment to improving our community,” he said. “We are a great community. There is a lot of love here. We are a wonderful diverse community, and we need to bring this together, so we celebrate all cultures.”
mmayer@thetimesweekly.com
